PUZZ1

The latest E-Class brochure has a summary of the decontenting on the back cover and one of the bullets is that the finish on the alloy wheels may change. What does that mean? I can only assume that whey will get rid of the adonizing shiny finish but does anyone know for sure? I take delivery of my E500 in a week and a half and I assume that it was hit with the decontenting stick before getting on the boat.

levind

According to the German forums, the wheel finish has changed from polished aluminum/clear coat to base coat/ clear coat.

marksatex

I think this changed in the fall. My 04 (build 11-03) has painted/clear coat. This looks the same as on the SL and S from what I saw at the dealer. The dealer told me that the idea is that the painted/clear coated (the wheel itself is the same aluminum) is easier to keep clean and this was an issue because of the brake dust these cars produce. May not be the whole answr but works for me.

HELL ONA HARLEY

Marksatex is correct.... I too noticed this back in dec 03 or January 04 when waiting for our car.... While at the dealer during this period I saw a few 03 models with both wheel finishes... The earlier finish was a spun aluminum look (and feel) to it and as stated by marksatex's dealer I too would agree this would be harder to keep clean. The newer finish is a painted clearcoat and cleans very easily... Looking at both finishes side by side it very difficult to see a difference until you actually get on your knees and look very closely...

Kar don

i personally prefer the polished look, but yea the painted ones are easier to clean.

HELL ONA HARLEY

Polished???? Did'nt know there were polished finishes on these wheels.... B.T.W.... I'm talking E class sport pkg wheels (five spoke)....

Kar don

u said spun aluminum, i consider that polished. Same thing.

HELL ONA HARLEY

Heres my definition of polished aluminum......